Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO has announced the maiden Holiday Edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, scheduled to hold on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos.
The Holiday Edition marks a major expansion of the internationally recognised festival, bringing Africa’s largest food and beverage event into the festive season with a blend of culinary experiences, family-friendly attractions, and enterprise development opportunities for small businesses.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, GTCO said the December edition represents a deliberate shift toward a more immersive, holiday-focused experience. Unlike previous editions, the festival will not feature chef masterclasses. Instead, it will offer expanded marketplace experiences, festive attractions, and entertainment designed to appeal to families and visitors of all ages.
Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, described the Holiday Edition as an extension of the Group’s commitment to enterprise development and African creativity.
“The GTCO Food & Drink Festival is a powerful platform that aligns with our mission to fuel enterprise, promote African creativity, and connect communities through meaningful lifestyle experiences,” Agbaje said. “The Holiday Edition gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the festive season while supporting thousands of food entrepreneurs who form the backbone of our economy.”
In line with its tradition of supporting small businesses, GTCO is maintaining its free vendor participation model, enabling entrepreneurs to access the platform without cost during the peak festive season.
For the Holiday Edition, the Group received over 4,000 vendor applications, from which 213 Nigerian-owned food SMEs were selected, almost double the number from the previous edition. The selected vendors will offer a wide range of affordable and diverse culinary options, underscoring the festival’s role as a catalyst for SME growth and inclusive economic development.
The 2025 Holiday Edition will introduce several festive-themed features, including a Christmas Village showcasing handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and artisanal products; a large children’s play zone with immersive activities for young families; and a Street Food Hub highlighting signature Nigerian street foods from across the country.
The two-day event will also feature live entertainment, with high-energy DJ performances from two leading Nigerian entertainers, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere throughout the festival.
GTCO said the Holiday Edition aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility objectives, particularly in supporting communities, expanding SME participation, and promoting Nigeria’s creative and culinary industries.
By leveraging the festive season, the Group aims to deepen family engagement, boost local businesses, and strengthen its reputation for curating authentic African lifestyle experiences with global appeal.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival: Holiday Edition is free and open to the public, reinforcing the Group’s belief that world-class cultural and lifestyle experiences should be accessible to all.